2024-11-14 22:52:00
he Cyber attacks in LebanonPlacing the blame in principle on Israel – which the country had acknowledged a few days ago – reveals a new reality in modern conflicts: Internet security It is no longer just a technical issue but a powerful tool for political influence.
The incident occurred on September 17 and 18, 2024, and involved the explosion of equipment such as pagers and portable radios used by Hezbollah, killing at least 30 people and injuring more than 4,500 people, including civilians and members of the militant group. The most shocking thing about this attack is its sophistication.
believed to be These devices were modified with explosives long before they were distributed, Maybe it’s during the manufacturing process or at some point in the supply chain. This is a strategy aimed at weakening Hezbollah not only militarily but also psychologically, creating chaos within its ranks and generating distrust among the population.
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Such operations are part of Israel’s broader strategy to defend Hezbollah, where cyber operations play a crucial role in changing the balance of power without resorting to traditional confrontation. Instead of deploying troops or conducting airstrikes, cyber warfare has been chosen: silent, precise and devastating.
The use of these devices, considered by many to be outdated, was key to the attack. Hezbollah has sought to avoid making smartphones vulnerable to Israeli infiltration, so it has returned to simpler technology such as pagers and portable radios. However, this measure is not enough to deter attackers who exploit the apparent security of these devices to hide explosives.
“Instead of deploying troops or conducting airstrikes, we have chosen cyber warfare: silent, precise and devastating.”
Simultaneous explosions in multiple areas of Lebanon not only had a devastating physical impact, but also undermined the group’s morale by demonstrating that it could not even trust its own communications systems.
The attack marked an evolution in the way warfare was fought. The combination of physical destruction and cyber warfare allows countries such as Israel to project power in more subtle ways and avoid the political and human costs of direct military intervention.
this is soft power. Just as nuclear weapons have been used for decades as a tool of deterrence rather than active use, cyberattacks that do not fire any bullets of their own have the potential to destabilize economies and sow chaos in societies.
The concept of soft power refers to A country’s ability to influence other countries without using force. Diplomacy, culture and now technology have become effective means of projecting this power. In this case, Israel not only weakened Hezbollah militarily but also sent a clear message to all actors in the region: they can inflict damage without firing a single shot. Such actions not only achieve their military objectives but also strengthen Israel’s geopolitical position.
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Similar to how nuclear weapons prevent direct conflict between great powers, cyberattacks allow states to influence their enemies through the potential threat of a devastating attack. Even if they do not cause large-scale physical damage, cyberattacks can disrupt critical infrastructure, destabilize economies and wreak havoc on society.
Attacks in Lebanon remind us How fragile we are in this world Interconnections are getting closer and closer. A nation’s ability to conduct sophisticated cyber operations such as this one is a demonstration of the power to transcend physical borders and redefine the rules of conflict. Modern warfare is no longer limited to the battlefield; now it is also fought in cyberspace, where the control of information and technology can be as effective or more effective than any conventional weapon.
As the country develops Advanced networking capabilitiesa new arms race is breaking out. International alliances to improve cyber defense have become as important as traditional military alliances, and Those countries that dominate the region can exert considerable influence over other countries.
As a result, cybersecurity has become a fundamental pillar of national security, not only to protect critical infrastructure but also as a tool to project power and maintain control in an increasingly digital world.
The attack in Lebanon shows how cyber security is changing the way countries project power on the global stage. Like nuclear weapons, cyber attacks are a modern form of deterrence that can change the course of a conflict without resorting to traditional warfare.
We are entering a new era of conflict, where power is no longer measured just by tanks and planes, but by code, security holes, and signals.
*Technology entrepreneur, Master’s degree from RRII University of Bologna; CEO
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How can countries enhance their defenses against evolving cyber threats in light of recent events?
**Interview with Dr. Sarah Khalil, Cybersecurity Expert and Middle East Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Khalil. The recent cyber attacks in Lebanon, attributed to Israel, have raised numerous questions about modern warfare. Can you give us a brief overview of the events that unfolded on September 17 and 18?
**Dr. Khalil:** Thanks for having me. The attacks were quite shocking in their sophistication. Explosive devices were covertly integrated into communication equipment, like pagers and radios, which Hezbollah had relied on for secure communications. This operation resulted in the tragic loss of at least 30 lives and injured over 4,500 people. The precision of these attacks highlights a disturbing evolution in conflict, where technological manipulation becomes an integral part of warfare.
**Editor:** It seems that these attacks were aimed not only at inflicting physical damage but also at undermining Hezbollah’s morale. How significant is that psychological aspect in the context of modern conflicts?
**Dr. Khalil:** Extremely significant. By showcasing that even their basic communication tools can’t be trusted, Israel effectively created a climate of fear and paranoia within Hezbollah. This is a powerful psychological tactic. In modern warfare, as much as physical destruction matters, the ability to influence the enemy’s perception and morale can often be more debilitating.
**Editor:** You mentioned that this strategy reflects a broader shift towards cyber warfare. How does that differ from traditional military engagements?
**Dr. Khalil:** Traditional military engagements often involve troop deployments or airstrikes, which come with high political and human costs. In contrast, cyber operations, as we saw in Lebanon, are silent and precise, allowing for significant impact without overt military action. This method, often referred to as soft power, enables nations to assert influence and achieve their strategic goals while minimizing the immediate ramifications of war.
**Editor:** What does this mean for the future of geopolitical dynamics in the region?
**Dr. Khalil:** This incident sends a clear message to all actors in the region: cyber operations can destabilize foes without traditional warfare. Countries like Israel can project power in more subtle ways, fundamentally altering the balance of power. It’s a stark reminder of how interconnected our world is and how a single cyber operation can create widespread chaos.
**Editor:** As a cybersecurity expert, what should countries and organizations do to defend against such sophisticated attacks in the future?
**Dr. Khalil:** Nations need to invest in robust cybersecurity frameworks, training personnel to identify potential threats early, and adopting technological innovations that enhance communication security. Additionally, fostering international collaborations to share intelligence on cyber threats can strengthen defenses. The battleground is shifting, and countries must adapt accordingly.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Khalil, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. It seems evident that technology will play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping conflicts in the future.
**Dr. Khalil:** Absolutely. Understanding and adapting to these changes is crucial for maintaining security and stability in an increasingly complex global landscape. Thank you for having me.
